http://autos.yahoo.com/news/how-do-you-really-know-when-to-change-oil-in-your-car-.html
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http://autos.yahoo.com/news/how-do-you-really-know-when-to-change-oil-in-your-car-.html
If you have a newer FI car, then 3K is not for you. Complete waste of money. But if you have a carbureted car, you might want to stick with the 3K interval as there is often a bit of gas contamination in the oil of carbed cars. Oil is a super good lubricant, gasoline - not so much. Plus the contaminants from blowby, etc., are somewhat abrasive.
Now I'll share an ugly and expensive truth. New cars with the oil change interval light? Change the oil at or before the manufacturer's suggested mark even if the interval indicator does not show the need for a change. You will find your warranty voided otherwise.
My company has had several managers ignore the change interval and try to use the oil interval system who had failed engines. We had to pay to replace these engines. One engine was covered 50%, the rest were out of our pocket. We are a 2.6 MILLION dollar per year customer. If we can't get these covered then neither can you.
Change it. Document it. Or else.
angela
Now I'll share an ugly and expensive truth. New cars with the oil change interval light? Change the oil at or before the manufacturer's suggested mark even if the interval indicator does not show the need for a change. You will find your warranty voided otherwise.
My company has had several managers ignore the change interval and try to use the oil interval system who had failed engines. We had to pay to replace these engines. One engine was covered 50%, the rest were out of our pocket. We are a 2.6 MILLION dollar per year customer. If we can't get these covered then neither can you.
Change it. Document it. Or else.
angela
Angela is correct about the 3000 mile change point..... But some of us old timers have had engines without filters, as still supplied by some manufacturers.... These engines see a much more rapid accumulation of carbon and "fines" in the oil than filtered engines, so I used to use the old VW reccomendation of 1500 miles.... Ran a Spyder 30,000 + miles like that.... Engine is still running solid with the newest owner....
Another thing, regarding oil changes on "regular" cars.
CARFAX is picking up alot of repair orders done through dealerships and chain establishments even oil changes. The last 4 CARFAX reports I've run (remember, this is only for 17 digit cars) have shown oil changes in addition to accident damage. The crazy part is how fast they show up.
Had a car I bought in Texas where the CARFAX showed an oil change that occurred just the prior week.
Kinda cool, actually!
angela
CARFAX is picking up alot of repair orders done through dealerships and chain establishments even oil changes. The last 4 CARFAX reports I've run (remember, this is only for 17 digit cars) have shown oil changes in addition to accident damage. The crazy part is how fast they show up.
Had a car I bought in Texas where the CARFAX showed an oil change that occurred just the prior week.
Kinda cool, actually!
angela